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Periodontal disease is common in lizards, especially [[Chameleon|chameleons]] and [[Lizard Classification|agamids]]. Periodontal disease is a significant cause of morbidity in captive lizards that have been fed an inappropriate [[Reptile Diet|diet]] (i.e. soft, wet, often overly fruitbased diet). A natural diet with adequate texture will prevent plaque buidup on teeth and keep bacteria from colonising. However when tartar accumulates, it causes an inflammatory response and periodontal disease eventually occurs. Osteomyelitis (focal or multifocal) of the mandible or maxilla may be the final outcome. This disease is more common in species with [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|acrodont]] dentition. It is also often mistaken for stomatitis.

Periodontal disease is common in lizards, especially [[Chameleon|chameleons]] and [[Lizard Classification|agamids]]. Periodontal disease is a significant cause of morbidity in captive lizards that have been fed an inappropriate [[Reptile Diet Composition|diet]] (i.e. soft, wet, often overly fruitbased diet). A natural diet with adequate texture will prevent plaque buidup on teeth and keep bacteria from colonising. However when tartar accumulates, it causes an inflammatory response and periodontal disease eventually occurs. Osteomyelitis (focal or multifocal) of the mandible or maxilla may be the final outcome. This disease is more common in species with [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|acrodont]] dentition. It is also often mistaken for stomatitis.

'''Clinical signs''' include:

'''Clinical signs''' include:

'''Diagnosis''' is made based on the animal's history, a [[Lizard Physical Examination|physical examination]], culture (the oral flora becomes predominantly anaerobic and spirochaetes can be found) and [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiology]].

'''Diagnosis''' is made based on the animal's history, a [[Lizard Physical Examination|physical examination]], culture (the oral flora becomes predominantly anaerobic and spirochaetes can be found) and [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiology]].

'''Treatment''' consists of the appropriate dental treatment, including a thorough oral examination under general [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]], and the appropriate systemic antibiotics. The calculus should be removed and the gingival sulci cleaned; the mouth should be irrigated with as 0.05% chlorhexadine solution. Improving the [[Reptile Diet|diet]] (adequate textures and consistencies) and environment is the most efficient '''prevention''' method.

'''Treatment''' consists of the appropriate dental treatment, including a thorough oral examination under general [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]], and the appropriate systemic antibiotics. The calculus should be removed and the gingival sulci cleaned; the mouth should be irrigated with as 0.05% chlorhexadine solution. Improving the [[Reptile Diet Composition|diet]] (adequate textures and consistencies) and environment is the most efficient '''prevention''' method.

[[Category:Lizard_Gastrointestinal_Diseases|P]]

[[Category:Lizard_Gastrointestinal_Diseases|P]]